Amazon to reportedly partner with HTC for Kindle Phones

Amazon has been exceedingly tight-lipped about its upcoming entry into the smartphone market. Rumors surrounding the “Kindle Phone” have been circulating for years, but a Financial Times report might be the most reliable claim yet that an Amazon smartphone is on the way. According to the report, “Amazon is working with HTC to develop a range of smartphones as the e-commerce company steps up efforts to compete with Apple and Google.” One of the sources FT was in touch with claims that the Amazon and HTC are developing three devices, and at least one is “at an advanced stage of development.” Another source says the release timetable is constantly evolving. Amazon has remained adamant on its stance that it will not enter the smartphone fray this year. HTC also declined to comment on the FT report, but HTC CMO Ben Ho said that his company is “always exploring new opportunities.”